Mashatile bodyguards case postponed after water cuts

By Zukile Majova
Political Editor

The impact of water cuts in parts of Johannesburg was felt at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday when cases were postponed because there was no water.

One of the critical cases affected was that of eight former bodyguards of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who were charged with assaulting two junior soldiers.

Mashatile’s former bodyguards allegedly assaulted the military men who were driving a VW Polo, because they failed to make way for the VIP motorcade on the N1 highway in Johannesburg.

The bodyguards are also charged with pointing a firearm, reckless and negligent driving and defeating the course of justice.

The case was postponed to Wednesday when the court is expected to have its water restored.

On Tuesday, a female witness – who owns the blue Polo that was being driven by the soldiers on the day – took the stand.

She said her car was damaged and some of the windows were broken, while the victim was so severely beaten up he could hardly talk.

The driver apparently thought they were being hijacked and could not remember much as he blacked out during the attack.

A motorist passing by recorded a video of the members of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit assaulting the victims and posted the video on social media.

Johannesburg has been having water cuts because of ongoing maintenance of the ageing infrastructure.

Pictured above: The former bodyguards of Paul Mashatile in court.

Source: X